Expanding hearts and minds through the pure joy of reading

32.4 million American children lack books in their home, schools, or communities. For the Love of Reading exists to help change that fact.

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What we know:

With as few as 20 books in a child’s home, we begin to see a significant difference in reading achievement.

When adults engage in read-alouds with children, motivation to read is increased.

What we do:

We provide a fun, free “bookstore experience” at schools with a high percentage of economically disadvantaged students.
Twice a year at each school, children in grades Pre-K through 5th can choose from a variety of fantastic titles, featuring a multitude of reading levels, genres, and works with diverse representation.
Our volunteer readers participate weekly in engaging read-aloud story times with classrooms of elementary students.
Readers choose books from our curated book cabinets and read to the same group of students every week, building relationships and sharing great stories.
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At every school, two times per year students in

Pre-k Through 5th

grade can pick from a wide selection of excellent books, spanning various reading levels, genres, and inclusive stories.

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Make a Difference

Volunteer Reading

bring stories to life weekly in an elementary school classroom

Giveaway Support

help kids choose books at one of our distribution events

Book Sorting

assist our staff to prep for book giveaways

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Books given away in the 24/25 school year:
0
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The Bottom Line

Children need access to a wide variety of good books in order to nurture the love of reading. We’re here to remove systemic barriers to this access, helping to close the achievement gap and improve educational outcomes for students in our community.

Your support can make a difference. Help us provide children with the books they need to thrive.

“Our kids need the example of an adult who is excited to read as much as they need the books themselves.

— Jessie Evans
2nd Grade Teacher, Knox County Schools

"They are the best in all of Knoxville!"

— Marcus
age 7 (name has been changed)

"We love all the books!"

— Jaelyn
age 9 (name has been changed)

"For the Love of Reading is more than the books and the words on the pages. It's about the experiences and relationships that are being formed through these stories. My students not only improve their processing skills, vocabulary, and comprehension but they also create bonds with their readers."

–Elizabeth Cade
2nd Grade Teacher, Knox County Schools